Automatic Locking Assembly with Integrated Positioning and Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of electronic device components is costly and prone to quality issues due to the need for multiple stations and operatives, with parts often deviating from their intended position during the assembly process.
Innovation Solution
An automatic locking device integrating feeding, fixture, lifting, rotating, and locking mechanisms on a single platform, which includes a feeding mechanism to position and secure components accurately, reducing the number of workstations and operatives required, and enhancing assembly precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple stations and operatives are used for assembling parts onto workpieces, then the assembling capacity is increased, but the cost increases and the assembly precision decreases due to part deviation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple assembly stations and operations into a single integrated automated assembly device. The device combines feeding mechanism, fixture mechanism, locking mechanism, and lifting mechanism in one unit, eliminating the need for multiple separate stations and operatives. This integration maintains high assembling capacity while improving assembly precision through automated positioning and consistent operational procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated assembly device performs assembly operations autonomously without human intervention. The feeding mechanism automatically supplies parts, the fixture mechanism automatically positions workpieces, and the locking mechanism automatically secures components. This self-service capability eliminates part deviation caused by manual handling while maintaining high productivity.
2Productivity
If multiple stations and operatives are used for assembling parts onto workpieces, then the assembling capacity is increased, but the device complexity and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple assembly stations into a single integrated device with unified control. The feeding mechanism, fixture mechanism, locking mechanism, and lifting mechanism are combined in one coordinated system, reducing the number of separate devices and control systems needed. This integration maintains high assembling capacity while simplifying the overall device architecture.
3Stability of the object's composition
If parts are positioned by fixture or clamp during assembling, then the workpiece is secured, but the part may still deviate from its original position reducing product quality
Solution Approach 1:
The feeding mechanism performs preliminary positioning of parts before they are secured by the fixture mechanism. The part is pre-positioned with precise alignment features that guide it into the correct location on the workpiece. This preliminary action ensures that even when secured by the fixture, the part maintains its original position and does not deviate, thereby improving product quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual positioning operations with automated mechanical positioning systems. The feeding mechanism uses automated conveying and positioning devices to place parts with high precision, eliminating the variability and deviation associated with manual positioning. This substitution maintains workpiece stability through automated fixing while achieving superior part positioning precision.
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic locking device for assembling a part to a workpiece is provided. The device includes a feeding mechanism, a fixture mechanism, a loading and unloading mechanism, a lifting mechanism, a rotating mechanism, and a locking mechanism. The feeding mechanism feeds the part to the fixture mechanism. The loading and unloading mechanism places the workpiece on the part. The lifting mechanism lifts up the fixture mechanism together with the part and the workpiece. The rotating mechanism rotates the fixture mechanism. The locking mechanism locks the part to the workpiece after the part and the workpiece are rotated by the rotating mechanism. The automatic locking device integrates multiple functions in a single station, reduces the number of the work stations and operatives, lowers the cost, and improves accuracy of the assembly. An assembling apparatus including the automatic locking device is also provided.